From Marinho to Ojulari: History of NNPCL’s Leadership from Inception
In a sweeping leadership shake-up, President Bola Tinubu has removed Mele Kyari as the Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) and appointed Bashir Bayo Ojulari as his replacement, effective April 2, 2025.
Alongside this major decision, Tinubu also dissolved the company’s board, including Chairman Pius Akinyelure, and reconstituted an 11-member leadership team.
NNPCL’s New Leadership Structure
According to a statement issued by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, all board members appointed alongside Akinyelure and Kyari in November 2023 have been dismissed.
Ojulari will lead NNPCL as CEO, while Ahmadu Musa Kida has been named Non-Executive Chairman. Also joining the board is Adedapo Segun, who was appointed Chief Financial Officer (CFO) last November and has now been officially confirmed as a board member.
Additionally, six non-executive directors have been appointed to represent Nigeria’s geopolitical zones:
- Bello Rabiu (North West)
- Yusuf Usman (North East)
- Babs Omotowa (North Central, former MD of Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas)
- Austin Avuru (South-South)
- David Ige (South West)
- Henry Obih (South East)
Furthermore, Lydia Shehu Jafiya, Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Finance, will represent the ministry on the new board, while Aminu Ahmed will represent the Ministry of Petroleum Resources.
NNPCL Leadership Timeline: From 1977 to Present
Since its inception in 1977, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited has had multiple Group Managing Directors (GMDs) and later, Group Chief Executive Officers (GCEOs), who have shaped the nation’s oil and gas industry.
List of NNPCL MDs/CEOs Over the Years:
- R.A. Marinho (1977–1980)
- Odiligi Lolomari (1980–1981)
- Lawrence Amu (1981–1985)
- Aret Adams (1985–1990)
- Thomas John (1990)
- Edmund Daukoru (1992–1993)
- Chamberlin Oyibo (1993–1995)
- Dalhatu Bayero (1995–1999)
- Dr. Jackson Gaius-Obaseki (1999–2003)
- Funsho Kupolokun (2003–2007)
- Abubakar Lawal Yar’Adua (2007–2009)
- Mohammed Sanusi Barkindo (2009–2010)
- Shehu Ladan (2010)
- Augustine O. Oniwon (2010–2012)
- Andrew Yakubu (2012–2014)
- Dr. Joseph Thlama Dawha (2014–2015)
- Dr. Emmanuel Ibe Kachikwu (2015–2016)
- Dr. Maikanti Kachalla Baru (2016–2019)
- Mele Kolo Kyari (2019–2025)
- Bashir Bayo Ojulari (2025–Present)
With this latest leadership overhaul, President Tinubu aims to enhance efficiency, improve governance, and reposition the NNPCL for greater transparency and productivity in Nigeria’s energy sector.
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